I have heard that wandering can be a problem. My person has mobility issues and doesn't like the heat or the cold. Should I be worried?

Wandering or becoming disoriented while away from home is a very common symptom of the disease and at some point 6 in 10 persons with dementia will become lost. They can become lost while out walking, driving, or when in a mall, or while travelling. It can happen at any point in time and whether or not they are with someone or alone. It can also happen at any time of day or night. Having a plan in place in prevention of the person getting lost is one strategy that can be put into place early on in the disease progression. Purchasing a Medial Alert bracelet will help identify the person and provide contact information in the event that they cannot speak for themselves. Carrying an identification card in a purse, wallet, pocket, or fanny pack may help as well. In the region of Peel registering the person on the Vulnerable Person's Registry will be invaluable to the policy when the person goes missing so that they can save time in gathering information about the person's description. Some families enquire about GPS tracking devices. There are many on the market and cost is often a factor in making the decision. Additional locks on doors, door alarms and safety locks on basement doors, garage doors and pool access gates are always recommended for safety. Please connect with the Alzheimer Society outreach counsellor so that we can help you find some strategies that work best for your situation.